Breakthroughs

Since 1890, the University of Chicago’s singular focus on inquiry has made it a model for modern institutions of higher education and research.

Across numerous departments and disciplines, as well as over 150 institutes and centers, the UChicago community advances ideas and innovations that enrich human life. The University’s culture of inquiry thrives on intellectual rigor, diverse perspectives, extensive civic and research partnerships, and ever-broadening global reach.

UChicago breakthroughs transform the way we live and the way we think. Members of our community have pioneered sociology scholarship, introduced hormonal cancer treatment, proposed the existence of black holes, discovered new dinosaur species, changed the face of economics, improved graduation rates in American cities, and the list goes on. Tracing such breakthroughs from decade to decade, the timeline above provides a sampling of how UChicago scholars have made a lasting impact on our world.